SIH launches free boat trips for Sharjah Heritage Days visitors

February 10, 2026 / 9:51 AM

Sharjah 24: Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) has launched a unique initiative offering free boat trips for visitors to the 23rd Sharjah Heritage Days, which will be held from February 4 to 15, 2026, in the Heart of Sharjah area and several other cities and regions of the emirate, under the theme “The Glow of Authenticity.” This initiative reflects the organising committee’s commitment to enhancing the public experience and facilitating access to heritage and cultural events.

Comprehensive transportation services for visitors

The initiative is part of a new package of services provided by the Heritage Days for this year’s event. These services include land transportation from the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman to the event venues, in addition to boat transportation via traditional abra boats. This facilitates visitor movement and enables them to attend the diverse activities and programs offered, which include folk performances, heritage exhibitions, traditional craft workshops, and cultural and artistic programmes for all age groups.

Abra boats connect departure stations

Water trips on traditional abra boats, bearing the theme "The Glow of Authenticity," commenced from Al Qasba and Sharjah Aquarium stations, making round trips to Al Baghlah station at Al Qasimia ship in the heart of Sharjah, where the main events of the festival are held. The trips operate daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a convenient and enjoyable experience that combines accessibility with stunning views of the waterfront.

During the boat trip, visitors can admire Sharjah's prominent waterfront landmarks, including the Sharjah Judiciary building, several government departments, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Souk Al Jubail, Al Noor Island, and Al Jazeera Park. The panoramic views of other urban and cultural landmarks add a unique dimension to the journey, enriching visitors' experience before they even reach the main event venues.

Al Qasimia Ship: A heritage stop

Water excursions make their stop at Al Qasimia ship, a traditional "baghlah" type vessel and one of Sharjah's most prominent maritime symbols. Built approximately two decades ago to emulate the ships of our ancestors that traversed the seas for trade and travel, it is distinguished by its traditional design and authentic wooden decorations that reflect ancient navigational arts. It serves as a living heritage landmark, evoking the memory of the sea and offering visitors to Sharjah Heritage Days an experience that resonates with the spirit and cultural themes of the event.

Additional parking and a convenient experience

The organising committee also provided approximately 150 parking spaces near Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation during the event. In addition, golf carts were allocated to transport visitors from the parking lots to the event site in the heart of Sharjah and back again after their visit. This initiative aims to facilitate traffic flow and provide a comfortable and seamless experience for the public.

This initiative reflects SIH’s commitment to providing an integrated experience for visitors to “Sharjah Heritage Days”, by harnessing organisational and logistical services that enhance the quality of the visit and keep pace with the size of the public turnout, in line with the event’s status as one of the most prominent cultural and heritage events in the region, and confirms the Institute’s commitment to showcasing Emirati heritage in a vivid image that combines authenticity and the spirit of modernity.